Pages

Monday, September 23, 2013

"Flood Longmont with Food"...

It's interesting how memorable experiences in life are sometimes painful, sweet and inspiring all at the same time. This week has been like that for me. A week ago much of northeastern Colorado experienced a devastating flood. It has affected all who live here and will continue to impact many lives for years to come. Unless you've seen a flood of this magnitude first hand, there's really no way one can comprehend the destruction. The amazing photos don't even do it justice because pictures are so one dimensional. It's hard to explain, but when you are in the middle of the devastation all your senses are painfully aware of the damage around you. You see it. You hear it. You smell it. You feel it. So terribly sad, yet...

I have seen amazing acts of selflessness, compassion and kindness this last week. So many have helped flood victims in one way or another. It has been gratifying to see how communities, churches, organizations and individuals have rallied around those most affected by the chaos. Helping in one way or another has been the norm, not the exception.

On Saturday I was part of an amazing event called "Flood Longmont with Food." This volunteer group of over 150 people -- comprised of students, church members, friends and neighbors -- packed over 1600 sack lunches for other volunteers, first responders and homeowners working "in the trenches" in the most affected areas of our town.

It was an amazing experience to witness this group work together to meet the goal of making 1500 sack lunches. Attached to the lunch bags were sweet handwritten notes created at the event by children of the volunteers thanking the recipients. A sack lunch might fill a stomach, but these notes were priceless. I especially liked one that read, "Weeee thank you. Skip. Skip. Skip." {Rocks skipping over water -- very applicable in flooded areas!}

After the lunches were assembled, delivery drivers with helpers loaded up their cars with over 100 lunches, hygiene kits, and water and took the goods to specific areas of town. I was fortunate enough to be on one of those crews. It was so wonderful to be able to thank the volunteers who were doing the dirty work {taking water/mud out of homes, clearing out basements of mud-soaked furniture, tearing down sheetrock and taking out insulation from homes} in this very tangible way. This was such a meaningful event, and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of it!

6 comments:

so good to see everyone rallying round to help those less fortunate, have been following your blog and have been so moved by it all. I know it will be many months or more before everyone is straight and settled back in their homes, unfortunately they will have lost things that cannot be replaced, my heart goes out to you all

I have a quote on my refrig that states: "She who refreshes others will herself be refreshed." Sounds like you have experienced this first hand! :) Truely the most blessed of experiences in life are completely opposite from what the "world" would like us to believe. We do find great blessing and fulfillment in meeting the needs of others, reaching out to others in their time of need. What an inspiration you have been to countless others not only through your tangible efforts but also as you have shared with us via your blog. :) Bless you !!!

Your posts on the flood have touched me so deeply, even though I haven't commented until now.

My hometown was struck by a tornado a couple of years ago, and though I don't live there anymore, the destruction made me sick. But the love of those who volunteered restored that faith in our neighbors. The smallest act will touch someone. No matter what you are able to do, even if it's just pray, someone will be touched.

Your state has been in the prayers of my church. I will continue to pray. Be safe!

Two-Toned Tote! Click here to be directed to the pattern and tutorial. Also, find out how to make a sturdy, well-crafted tote!

Bunting Cosmetic Bag Tutorial ... find out how to make this cute cosmetic bag!

A diaper and wet-wipe case... click here to find out how to receive my Dwipe Pattern and Tutorial!

Lil' Boy Car Caddy :: Need a little something to keep your toddler busy? Follow these instructions to make this car caddy for the student driver in your life!

Store anything in these beautiful fabric baskets!

Need an idea for a gift for a little one. Try this easy-to-make crayon caddy. The tutorial is a click away!

Copyright Policies...

Feel free to link to posts on my blog, but please only include one picture. Then I would ask that you link back to my blog and include the name of my blog in your post. Please do not reproduce my content or tutorials, in any language, without my explicit permission even if your intention is not to profit from it. The material at "Just Another Hang Up" blog is copyrighted. Thank you!

Terms of Use: Free Patterns & Tutorials

Feel free to use items made from my tutorials for personal use, gifts or you may make one for a charity/fundraising event. Items made using my tutorials are not to be sold for profit. Please contact me for clarification or requests above and beyond these limitations. Also, my patterns and tutorials are not to be copied and distributed or sold for profit. My patterns and tutorials are copyrighted. Thank you for respecting my wishes.

I'm truly honored. CSI chose my "Smith Art Gallery" as one of their Top 10 Projects of 2010!

I made the cut in the "Neighborhood Gift Challenge!" Thank you for featuring my organic facial scrubs as one of your favorites!